Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook

Solarization

  • Facebook logo
Latest revision: 
March 2024

Laying out the tarp to trap sunlight.

Larry Moore collection 1995.

A disease control practice in which soil is covered with plastic sheeting and exposed to sunlight, thereby heating the soil and inhibiting or killing soilborne plant pathogens.

Pscheidt, J.W., and Ocamb, C.M. (Senior Eds.). 2025 Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.

H - Home garden packaging commonly available.     O - Acceptable in organic production.